Highlights from last night’s dinner: sea urchin jelly, tai sashimi, and grilled chicken butts.
One of the things I loved about traveling to Japan from the west coast was the almost perfect transition between time zones. We’d fly in for around 8:00 p.m., have a late dinner, then be in bed by 10 p.m., sleep through the night, and wake up at 7:00 a.m. ready to go. Those extra three hours of added east coast time, however, make for a less than smooth sleep segue. I managed to fall asleep at a little before 10:00 p.m., woke up at 1:00 a.m. and had to take a melatonin pill, then slept through the night and woke up at a still dark 5:00 a.m. Akemi’s slept more fitfully and I expect her to probably take an afternoon nap while she’s getting her head massage today.
Anyway, the nice thing about being up so early is that it really allows you to pack in the day. After getting some work out of the way, we headed to Tsukiji, former home of the famed fish market, but still foodie central for early risers.
Today’s breakfast was comprised of: crab guts with sake, uni bun, sea urchin aburi, negitoro bowl, ikura and uni bowl, and grilled wagyu A5 sirloin.
Sadly, none of the dessert places were open as it was too early, so we headed back to the hotel to decompress, then headed to Omotesdando for our afternoon outing.
Soba lunch was very good – and interesting. Akemi ordered this six day old fish (I think it’s cured for six days) which she assumed I would positively hate. But I didn’t, much to her disappointment no doubt. Still, I knew she was looking forward to this particular dish (a New Year’s Eve tradition in her family) so I gave her half of mine.
After lunch, we walked Omotesando. checked out Kiddyland, at a matcha donut, had some chocolate, macarons, and a hot chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat, then headed over to ZAAC for head massages. One hour later, I was super sleepy and ready for bed.
But no rest for the wicked. Or hungry! We’re off to Sushi Taichi for dinner tonight!
Oh, hey, forgot to mention it but Akemi’s new PR card finally arrived. I received a text from Ivon after touching down in Japan informing me that – appropriately enough – the card arrived on the day we left. It’s been UPS’d and should arrive Friday, meaning Akemi won’t have to take the alternate route home: a 25 hour connection-studded flight to Buffalo followed up by a two hour car ride back to Toronto.
Meanwhile back on the home front…
These two appear to be behaving themselves. So far, so good…
Tomorrow = More breakfast mayhem! Butagumi! The Mori Art Museum! Tokyo Midtown! And mystery dinner!
I’m relieved to hear her card made it. I was feeling frustrated for you! Bureaucracy. Yay. I feel the pain of residency cards since I’m living abroad. Curious, maybe I missed it, but why Buffalo and a drive? I’m assuming it would allow for a computer check that she had a card in transit…?
I’m honestly not sure but that is what appears on the Canadian Immigration website as a workaround to their own rigid regulations.
That’s some gorgeous sashimi!
Chicken butts. Crab gutts. In a zombie apocolypse you’ll be ready. I had a bad feeling about the sea urchin aburi but found aburi is just the flaming process. (Unless you said sea urchin and really meant “Uni, is translated to sea urchin, but it is specifically the gonads of sea urchins”.
Glad you are back in Japan. When does Akemi’s parents come? The dogs look a bit accusatory but seem relaxed in the sitter’s care.
phew
So glad to hear the card’s arrived. Of course, you still need to get it out to where you are now, but at least it’s going to be sent by a decent method, with tracking!!
Everything sounds great, and SO glad to hear that the PR card finally arrived.
Suji and Lulu look like they’re getting along fine. But I bet they’ll be happy to see you when you get back.
It ain’t over until the UPS package is delivered, but I’m glad to hear your return will likely be smoooth sailing.
What an adventure. I am glad you are enjoying your food and fun.I am so happy the Akemi’s PR came. The pups look content. So all is good.
Whew! What a relief her renewal card made it!
Oooh. Very jealous you got to have Wagyu A5 for breakfast.
Looking forward to more video of nighttime holiday lights in midtown! XO
Yay for the PR card. Any thought of applying for citizenship? Application is painful, but less pain in the long run (no more PR re-applications).
Sushi Taichi has always been enjoyable for me. Hope you enjoy it.
Mmmm…chicken butt?
The uni bun and uni bowl look delicious! The negitoro bowl has me intrigued.
So glad Akemi got her card. Somehow I knew it would land on the day you left.
Lulu looks adorable in her little vest!
Butts and guts. No part goes to waste. Remember… pace yourself. And no greasy ramen. 🙂
I’m sooooo glad Akemi got her card. Whew! Have fun.
I’m sure having that card is a HUGE relief for you both. Now there should be much less anxiety for the rest of your trip (at least for me, and I hope for you guys, too!).
BTW, you had me at chicken butts.
I bet Suji and Lulu packed more clothes than you and Akemi did. 😀
Great news! I’m glad to hear that Akemi’s new PR card came in. That means no sneaking home.
Great news about the PR card! Now you can relax.
Thanks for the food porn!
Lulu looks ready to bust out “Born to Run” at karaoke in her tuff leather (pleather?) vest. She will cut you! Ah, Suji looks impatient in her photo, ready to go out, no time for selfies. The food looks mouthwatering, even the chicken butts. The dishes are lovely too, that scalloped dish is lovely. More hugs to Akemi, I hope you guys can sleep well, but if not the early rising thing is rewarding you with fresh seafood, yay! I can’t stop watching Science Fair, its 90 minutes of pure joy
Of course the card arrived the day you left. Fine government work.
So relieved Akemi’s card has arrived and also the gals look happy too! Big phew all round!
Now you can totally relax and enjoy…. Yay!
Foodies unite and live precariously through you & Akemi. Have a wonderful time!